On November 17th 1992, Ice Cube released his third solo studio project. The album quickly reinforced his rank and solidified his stance on injustice.

Cube first grabbed our attention as a member of the acclaimed, yet “controversial” group, N.W.A. As shared in BBC, critics even called the circle, “the world’s most dangerous group”. Still, there was no doubt about each lyricist’s artistry.

On February 23rd in ’93, this Isley Brothers (“Footsteps In The Dark“) sampled track dropped. Though one of sixteen spellbinding tracks on The Predator, this particular single also became the number #1 song on Bill Board‘s “Hot Rap Songs” chart in April of 1993. Further, it reached the 7th position on Bill Board’s “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs” chart earlier that month. While a “conscious” cut, the track somewhat contrasted more socially conscious tracks on the album, and even inspired Ice Cube fans to celebrate January 20th as “Good Day Day” according to Genius and E Online. Have you ever celebrated? If so, how so?

“Called up the homies and I’m askin’ y’all/Which park are y’all playin’ basketball… freakin’ brothers every way like MJ/I can’t believe today was a good day…”

Further, a predator as defined by Merriam-Webster is “an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals… an animal that preys on other animals… a person who looks for other people in order to use, control, or harm them in some way”. The Predator was released following the Rodney King beating and riots in L.A. It seems The Predator is saying that a “predator” is preying on a “predator”- that there is no prey- only predators.

Essentially, as stated in Noisey, this compilation made a bold statement in regards to injustice- particularly racism and police brutality.

“I feel like these records are packed full of pain and they’re packed full of truth…”

Ice Cube’s The Predator went multi platinum.

Needless to say, that’s a good day for Cube and the culture. Today, though, November 18th, fans can catch him performing at West Fest. The line-up includes Too Short, Bun B, E-40, and others and is being held in a few hours in Sugar Land, TX. So, in honor of twenty five years of The Predator– twenty five years of Cube standing (and kneeling) against injustice- hear ten of Ice Cubes’ chart-topping contributions to music since going solo:

*EXPLICIT*

The Predator not only saw success on Bill Board charts over the years, but still promotes judicial reform to this day. Thanks Cube- you are appreciated.